Native American Heritage Month

Great Promise for American Indians—Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival

November 23, 2024. Check back for details.

Austin ISD American Indian Education Program

Purpose

The American Indian Education Program will provide opportunities for academic support and cultural enrichment for Native American and Indigenous students. 

Services

The American Indian Education Program will collaborate with AISD Student Support Services to provide a variety of services including Twilight after school tutoring and credit recovery on all middle and high school campuses, ACE Austin expanded learning opportunities on some elementary, middle, and high school campuses, and PrimeTime after school enrichment opportunities on low socioeconomic campuses throughout the district. In addition, based on grant availability, the American Indian Education Program will partner with Great Promise for American Indians to provide after school cultural enrichment classes. 

American Indian Parent Committee 

American Indian Education Program will form an American Indian Parent Committee to fulfill a possible future grant obligation. The “Indian Education Formula Grant” offered by the Office of Indian Education requires the formation of an American Indian Parent Committee (AIPC). The AIPC will meet about 3 times per year to provide input for the American Indian Education Program and approve the final “Indian Education Formula Grant” application prior to it being submitted. Parents of AISD students who submitted an ED 506 Form are eligible to join the AIPC.

ED 506 Form – Please fill out this ED 506 form from the Office of Indian Education and return it to David.Torres@austinisd.org. The “Indian Education Formula Grant” is available to school districts who have ED 506 forms filed.

Important Dates:

1. AISD American Indian Education Program (AIEP) Public Hearing—
   • Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 5 – 6 p.m.
   • Please use this Zoom link to attend.
   • Informational meeting to inform the community about the AIEP and services provided. The community will also have an opportunity to share their opinion about the AIEP and the services provided.
2. Huston-Tillotson University Earth Day Celebration— Earth Day Austin
   • Saturday, April 20, 2024, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
   • Please click on this Earth Day Austin link for additional information and Festival map. Great Promise for American Indians will have a table selling delicious fry bread and awesome t-shirts.
3. Native American and Indigenous Collective—UT NAIC Powwow
   • Sunday, April 21, 2024 – 11a.m. – 7 p.m.
   • Delores Duffie Recreation Center: 1182 N Pleasant Valley Rd. 
   • Free Parking, Free Admission, No Vendor Fees
   • For inquires contact NAICUTEXAS@gmail.com
     • Powwow Schedule:
       • 11 a.m. – Doors Open
       • Noon– Grand Entry
       • 1p.m. – Powwow Dance Categories
       • 3 p.m. – Danza Mexica
       • 5 p.m. – Powwow Dance Categories
4. Great Promise Potluck and Craft Day—
   • Sunday, April 28, 2024, Noon – 4 p.m.
   • The location will be coming soon.
   • The craft activity will be determined. If you have an idea for a craft you’d like to learn or share, please feel free to email Amy at volunteers@austinpowwow.net
5. Great Promise for American Indians—Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival
   • November 23, 2024. Details coming soon.

American Indian Education Program Contact

David Torres
American Indian Education Program Coordinator
Student Support Services
Office: 512-414-0222 
Email: David.Torres@ .org